G+_Ken Checkeye Posted March 21, 2016 Share Posted March 21, 2016 While I am a Phantom Pilot, I also enjoy flying model airplanes. I've wanted to put a FPV camera on it for a while now and wonder if you have a simple, portable solution I can use. The episodes you have done for quad's have ideas on hardware. Guess I was wondering if you have a simple DYI package I can use. Of course, low cost is nice :) I don't have any googles or cameras so I'd have to start scratch. I have an electronics background and lots of experience. (As a side note, I began this project years ago with 35mm plastic camera on the side of the plane and a servo to trigger the photo. LOL, would have to land between shots to wind the film. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Carlton Dodd Posted March 22, 2016 Share Posted March 22, 2016 There are camera + 5.8GHz transmitter combos on Banggood for <$40. HobbyKing has a couple versions of their cheap "DIY" FPV headset. Get replacement antennae for both (the straight ones have terrible range). You could be all-in for just over $100US to start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Tim D Posted March 22, 2016 Share Posted March 22, 2016 Nice plane. What flight time do you get with it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Ben Reese Posted March 22, 2016 Share Posted March 22, 2016 If you have an extra phone, Google Hangouts might work pretty well. Just wouldn't work for goggles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Travis Hershberger Posted March 22, 2016 Share Posted March 22, 2016 You can use all the same fpv gear that they've been talking about on the show. You'll just need to figure out how to power it, which you can probably do with the current battery pack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Ken Checkeye Posted March 22, 2016 Author Share Posted March 22, 2016 Tim D With a full tank of gas, I can fly easily for a half hour. While I love the convenience of electric motors, you can't beat the run times of model airplane fuel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Ken Checkeye Posted March 22, 2016 Author Share Posted March 22, 2016 Thanks for the feedback - have lots to look at. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Ken Checkeye Posted March 22, 2016 Author Share Posted March 22, 2016 Tim D, I might add the plane has a 62-inch wingspan and pretty heavy. I've always wanted to fly this plane with FPV. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Larry Havenstein Posted March 23, 2016 Share Posted March 23, 2016 I need to get one of those docking stations. Did you use the antenna shown or a different one? I will take you to task about gas airplanes as I used to fly those. Yes you get lots of flying time but there is more cleanup after. I hated the cleanup. Also tweeking the carburetor is often needed along with more gear in the flight kit (starter, starter battery, fuel pump and fuel). I will say gas engines make more satisfying noise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Ken Checkeye Posted March 26, 2016 Author Share Posted March 26, 2016 Larry Havenstein Thanks for the reminder about Gas - LOL. Yes, it is a mess and tweaking is a challenge. I purchased a Tachometer from Tower Hobbies and really came in handy. After a day in the air, I'd have to come home, clean the oil off the plane and prep the engine for storage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Larry Havenstein Posted March 28, 2016 Share Posted March 28, 2016 I had a tach I built from a Heathkit kit, I used to use to setup my gas engines. It worked well and was fairly compact for the day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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